Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 17 April 2026
Published on 17 April 2026
Volunteer Justice of the Peace Paul Kohn with Esk Library JP coordinator Stuart Odonoghue.
Justice of the Peace welcomed at Esk Library
Somerset Regional Council is proud to welcome a new Justice of the Peace (JP) service at Esk Library.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council identified the need for the service through its recent library survey.
“We’re grateful for the community’s feedback and we’re proud to now offer JP services at Esk, Kilcoy and Lowood libraries,” Cr Wendt said.
“We also thank the Department of Justice for organising the new Esk JP Service Desk, and to each of our volunteers JPs for their service to our community.”
Attorney-General and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said JPs provided a valuable service to the local community, ensuring justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their personal circumstances.
“JPs are vital across Queensland, especially in regional areas, and I’m pleased that locals can now access this important service at the Esk Library,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I’d like to thank all of the JPs for their tireless volunteering and commitment to helping those in their community.”
Justice of the Peace services are available at Esk Library on Tuesdays from 9am to 11.30am, Kilcoy Library on Monday and Fridays from 11am to 1pm, and Lowood Library on Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Celebrate Small Business Month over breakfast in Esk
The Somerset business community is invited to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month with a free breakfast event at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Friday, 8 May.
Somerset Regional Council’s annual Somerset Business Breakfast is an opportunity for business owners to network and learn from business leaders.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt will join guest speakers in the morning.
“This is a great event for both new and established Somerset businesses looking to connect and grow our region’s economy,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’ll hear from Peter Maddock from the Small Business Commissioner’s office, Kerryn Fewster from Change2020, and representatives from Queensland Country Tourism and the Somerset Business Chamber.
“Our local economy thrives when small businesses work together, so come along, enjoy a bite and help us build a stronger, more connected, Somerset region.”
Somerset Regional Council is a proud member of the Small Business Friendly Councils.
“As a signatory to this charter, we have made a pledge to support small businesses and this is just one of many services we are offering the business community,” Cr Wendt said.
The Somerset Business Breakfast will be held from 7am to 9am on Friday, 8 May at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Bookings are free – reserve your spot at: bit.ly/sbb2026
Somerset artists called for ‘Year of the horse’
Somerset artists and horse enthusiasts are invited to apply for an exciting exhibition opportunity at The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said The Condensery would bring together nine artists for a horse-themed exhibition between December 2026 and February 2027.
“The exhibition, ‘Year of the horse’, will celebrate horses as a symbol of joy, transformation, ambition, and the pursuit of freedom,” Cr Jess said.
“Horses are an integral part of community life in Somerset, from campdraft arenas and pony club competitions, rodeos and trail rides across the countryside.
“We’re inviting artists working in a variety of mediums to apply to be part of an exhibition which reflect on horses and the bonds we share with them.”
Applications are open now and close 4pm Monday, 18 May 2026.
For more information and to apply visit thecondensery.com.au/about/get-involved
Council is seeking audit committee members
Somerset Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from individuals wishing to join its Audit Committee as an independent member.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson said there were independent committee member positions available.
“As an independent member of the committee, the successful applicants will contribute their specialist skills and knowledge to matters which assist Council in the oversight of internal and external audit functions, financial reporting, and oversight of internal control systems,” Mr Johnson said.
For more information and to apply visit somerset.qld.gov.au/EOI-AuditCommittee
Applications close 5pm Friday, 15 May 2026.
Last Aid for Seniors information session coming to Kilcoy
Somerset Regional Council will host its next information sessions for end-of-life care planning on Monday, 25 May at the Kilcoy Library
The Last Aid for Seniors course, presented by Palliative Care Queensland, is supported by Council’s senior connections program, In Good Company.
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, encouraged seniors and carers in the community to register for the sessions.
“This course helps participants understand end-of-life care and the importance of planning ahead,” Cr Bishop said.
“The course is about relieving suffering and recognising dying as a natural part of life.
“Participants will learn about end-of-life planning, comfort measures, and final goodbyes.”
The session will be held at the Kilcoy Library on 15 Kennedy Street from 11am to 3pm on 25 May.
The final course will be offered in Esk on Monday, 27 July.
All sessions will include light refreshments, with a small charge of $5 payable on the day of the session.
Bookings are essential, for more information and to register contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information visitsomerset.qld.gov.au/IGC